Consistently strong winds and dry conditions spark burn ban ordinance discussion

MT. PLEASANT — Henry County officials consider adopting a local burn ordinance in response to a surge in fire calls and unpredictable weather that make managing fire risks more difficult.

Henry County Emergency Management Director Walt Jackson said the county’s fire chiefs and the sheriff’s office are working together to create a simpler, faster way to issue burn bans without state involvement.

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"And then last night, I met with all the fire chiefs and Sheriff," Jackson said during an April 3 department heads meeting. "We're talking about a new ordinance in the county on local fire bans so we don't have to go through the state to get the fire bans. And I think it'll be a little cleaner once everybody gets trained on it, and everybody gets educated in the public, I think it's going to be a lot simpler."

Currently, counties must request the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office to issue a burn ban after assessing local fire risk. Although local officials can request a ban quickly, lifting it often proves slower because changing weather conditions must be reevaluated, and the removal must again go through the state.

During state-issued burn bans, open burning is prohibited unless specific exceptions apply, and law enforcement enforces the ban.

Jackson said the proposed ordinance would allow Henry County to automatically trigger bans without waiting on state approval, particularly during dangerous conditions like National Weather Service Red Flag Warnings.

Jackson met with the Henry County Board of Supervisors last week to present the draft ordinance. It would require residents to notify dispatchers before starting any open burns, providing their name, location, contact information, and a fire mitigation plan.

Henry County Sheriff Rich McNamee said the ordinance would ease pressure on emergency services.

"As Walt mentioned, we've been working on a burn ordinance in the county," McNamee said. "I'm kind of tickled that you're doing that, because it seems like our dispatchers the last month have been running ragged just reporting fires and getting people where they need to be to put them out."

The ordinance would impose escalating penalties for non-compliance, starting with warnings and leading to fines. Repeat offenders could face reimbursement costs at FEMA rates if firefighters lose equipment like hoses or blowers during multiple emergency responses. Recreational fires, burning barrels with approved screens, and other low-risk activities would still be allowed.

This added local ordinance would allow county officials aim to cut down on unnecessary fire department call outs, which often happen when dispatchers receive calls about controlled burns that are not properly reported. Fire chiefs, the County Attorney’s Office, and law enforcement officials have all reviewed and revised the draft, Jackson said.

According to Jackson, neighboring counties including Washington, Des Moines, and Jefferson have already implemented or are working on similar ordinances, creating more consistent rules for landowners who manage property across multiple counties.

After putting together this ordinance, the next step will include a public hearing followed by three readings, and a vote from the Board of Supervisors before passing.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com